Snowboard binding

Abstract

The invention relates to a binding, in particular a step-in binding, for retaining a soft boot on a sliding device, in particular a snowboard, having retaining elements for the boot and having a calf support (8) which can be pivoted into snowboarding and step-in positions and, via a tread element (9) which is connected to it and is within reach of the boot, can be moved into the snowboarding position, in which the calf support (8) is secured against accidentally pivoting out of the snowboarding position. In the snowboarding position, with the tread element (9) subjected to loading, the calf support (8), beneath its pivot pin (10) can be supported, on binding-mounted supporting parts (20), against pivoting into the step-in position, and as a result of the tread element (9) being relieved of loading, in order to eliminate the support, the calf support (8) can be displaced, in particular automatically, in relation to the pivot pin (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a binding for retaining a soft boot on a sliding device, in particular a snowboard, having retaining elements for the boot and having a calf support which can be pivoted into snowboarding and step-in positions and, via a tread element which is connected to it and is within reach of the boot, can be moved into the snowboarding position, in which the calf support is secured against accidentally pivoting out of the snowboarding position.[0002] Such a binding is known, for example, from WO-A-9739808. This binding is a soft-boot binding with a tensioning strap which comprises a number of parts and has a tensioning device by means of which the tensioning strap is drawn together once the boot has been introduced into the binding, and the boot is thus forced onto the base plate of the binding. A calf support is provided, and this can be rotated about a transverse axis on side parts of the base plate. This calf support is provided with side parts which each ha...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The support which the invention provides for the calf support absorbs forces and thus prevents the occurrence of forces which could overload the calf support and the tread element. By virtue of the calf support being arranged in a displaceable manner, the support is eliminated when the tread element is relieved of loading, and the calf support is moved into its step-in position. The mechanism provided and / or the components provided according to the invention are completely independent of the retaining elements of the binding and / or of the boot and, in addition, may be accommodated and / or arranged at a point remote from these retaining elements.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the supporting parts are parts which are fastened on the inside of side parts of a bearing block, and they have rearwardly directed supporting surfaces (claim 2). This configuration is favorable in terms of production and, furthermore, also has the advantage that via the fastening means, which will preferably be a screw, the position of each supporting part can be adjusted and fixed via a slot formed in the side part of the bearing block (claim 8). A change in the position of the supporting parts also changes the position of the supporting surfaces thereof, as a result of which it is possible to change the forwardly inclined position of the calf support within a certain range.

[0012] The calf support is subjected, on both sides, to the action of at least one spring, which forces the calf support upward (claim 4). When the boot is removed from the binding, the springs bring about or assist release of the supporting surfaces of the calf support from the supporting surfaces of the supporting parts, with the result that the calf support can pivot rearward and the boot can easily be removed from the binding.

[0014] As far as possible, ice and / or snow should not be able to have an adverse effect on the function of the springs. It is thus favorable if each spring is configured as a compression spring and is arranged in a recess of the calf support, above the bolt, and has one end supported on the bolt and has its other end supported on the calf support (claim 6). In this arrangement, it is easily possible to ensure that the springs are accommodated in an at least largely protected region.

[0015] In the step-in position, without specific handling being necessary, the intention is for the calf support already to be located in a position in which the tread element is within easy reach of the boot. This can easily be achieved in that each supporting part has, on its top side, a stop against which the extension of the calf support is positioned in the step-n position (claim 7).

Problems solved by technology

The forces to which the calf support is subjected by the snowboarder's leg during snowboarding may then prove problematic, these forces meaning that the loadability of the material of the calf support and / or the loadability of the tread element are subject to stringent requirements.

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